In a courtyard in Chang'an City, several old men in luxurious clothes were sitting cross-legged on the couch, with their eyes closed, not communicating with each other, as if they were waiting for something.
Soon, a young man walked in led by a man who looked like a butler.
Entering the room, the young man was not qualified to sit down and simply stood aside.
Taking a closer look, isn't the young man who just came in the door Xu Zhang?
As the son of Xu Jingzong, Xu Zhang is still very important and quite talented among the younger generation.
At this time, they could only stand aside, which shows the status of the several old men in the room.
If you know anyone, you will find that these three old men are Cui Shuhu of the Cui family in Qinghe, Lu Shengxiao of the Lu family in Fanyang, and Zheng Chengchi of the Zheng family in Xingyang.
As the talkers of several major aristocratic families, these people generally stay in their ancestral homeland.
Now they are gathering in Chang'an, obviously they have some purpose.
After Xu Zhang came in, he glanced at the talkative people of the Guanlong family and felt a little frightened.
After all, these big families don't even lose face to His Majesty Li Er, which shows how deep their background is.
It can be said that these people sitting in the room represent the top backbone of the entire Tang family.
If any of the three of them chops off his feet, this thousand-year-old city will tremble three times.
When these Guanlong families supported Li Yuan's ascension to the throne and maintained local stability, they made great contributions. Naturally, they received the most benefits.
This also led to the end of Wei Da's inability to get rid of them. The words of these people in the local area were more effective than the emperor's imperial edict.
Moreover, they are so high up in this world that they can no longer lower their noble heads.
Since Li Er came to the throne, he has been committed to promoting poor students and began to suppress major aristocratic families.
In fact, several major aristocratic families did not have much resistance to this innocuous method.
Because there are too few scholars from poor families, it is impossible to make waves.
Although the reform of the imperial examination carried out this time will not threaten the foundation of their family within a few years.
However, as long as the imperial examination reform can be fully implemented, it will not take more than a few years for the advantages of children from aristocratic families to disappear.
Throughout the dynasties, the aristocratic family has been in the limelight. Even now, even His Majesty Li Er has to show courtesy.
Thinking that their children will have to rule the world with some mud-legged people in the future, it is strange that these people are not in a hurry.
A large sum of money was cheated by His Majesty Li Er a few days ago, and people from several famous families no longer dare to take it lightly.
So several laborers decided to come to Chang'an to make a town in person, with the purpose of sabotaging the imperial examination.
As long as there are mistakes in this imperial examination, they will naturally have a way to make Li Er compromise with their family.
Although Xu Zhang has some talents and his father Xu Jingzong is quite famous, these leaders of the aristocratic families really don't take Xu Zhang seriously.
What's more, even if Xu Jingzong came in person, he would not dare to look down upon everyone here.
It can be said that everyone here has a much stronger background than the Xu family.
After seeing Xu Zhang come in, Cui Shuhu, Lu Shengxiao, and Zheng Chengqi opened their eyes, looked at each other, and nodded as if they understood each other.
Several people's faces were shriveled and looked a bit old, but the glint in their eyes from time to time made people shudder.
If someone treats them as harmless old people, they will definitely suffer a big loss.
Cui Shuhu cleared his throat and said:
"Everyone, several of our aristocratic families have suffered heavy losses this time. All the reasons are to obstruct the imperial examination."
"This reform of the imperial examination is obviously a deliberate move by the emperor to deal with our family."
"Everyone is called here this time to discuss how to prevent the smooth progress of the imperial examination reform and how to avoid things that are detrimental to the interests of our family from happening again. Everyone can speak freely!"
Lu Shengxiao, who was sitting on the left, asked:
"May I ask Mr. Cui, we want to know if there is any plan?"
Cui Shuhu stroked his long gray beard and said confidently:
"To tell you the truth, since I informed you to come, Cui has certainly made some arrangements!"
As he said that, he turned to look at Xu Zhang.
Xu Zhang was very discerning and told the story of the bet at the banquet.
After finishing speaking, Cui Shuhu waved him to go ahead, and then said: "You two, this time I asked Xu Zhang to lure Zhongyi Marquis Yang Fan into a bet. As long as we suppress that kid, the imperial examination reform will be self-defeating."
Lu Shengxiao asked: "In other words, Yang Fan is the key to obstructing the reform of the imperial examination?"
Zheng Chengchi said: "I think Brother Cui is right. It is said that the imperial examination reform plan was not discussed between His Majesty and the ministers. It was originally proposed by Yang Fan."
"According to my understanding of Your Majesty, although Your Majesty has taken precautions against and suppressed the aristocratic family in recent years, he should not be able to think of such a vicious and vicious trick." Lu Shengxiao nodded in agreement.
Cui Shuhu continued: "Yes, these measures to reform the imperial examination are simply digging up the roots of our family."
"Yang Fan has proposed so many measures to deal with us at such a young age, which is the biggest threat to us."
Zheng Chengzhi asked thoughtfully: "What you two mean is that we want to..."
As he spoke, he made a gesture of wiping his neck.
After a moment of silence, Cui Shuhu shook his head. He knew what Zheng Chengchi meant.
Now there is no overt falling out with Yang Fan, so we can only use some small tricks.
They still have to take His Majesty Li Er's face into consideration. If his face is completely torn apart, it will not be easy for anyone.
As a representative of the Cui family, Cui Shuhu would certainly not be so short-sighted.
Although several of their major families suffered heavy losses in the past few days, it also made them pay more attention to Yang Fan.
Imperial examination reform as a conspiracy against aristocratic families.
After much deliberation, the only way to regain the initiative is to start with Yang Fan.
They are not afraid of visible enemies, nor are they afraid of challenges.
They fear the invisible enemy, the silent enemy like a poisonous snake hiding in the dark.
Waiting until the critical moment suddenly pounces on you and bites you, that is the most fatal thing.
Which aristocratic family has not gone through ups and downs to get to where they are now?
Now that we have a clear opponent, we can only seize the opportunity by taking the initiative and seizing the initiative in our own hands.
But you can't do it blatantly, you have to pay attention to methods, which is why they sat together to discuss.
After all, you can only be a thief for a thousand days, how can you prevent a thief for a thousand days? This is not the way to go.
At this time, Zheng Chengchi said: "Brother Cui, just tell us what plans you have, and we will fully cooperate."
Lu Shengxiao followed the instructions.
"Don't worry, you two, I have my own arrangements." Seeing Lu Shengxiao, Zheng Chengzhi agreed to help, and Cui Shuhu became more confident.
After Lu Shengxiao and the others left, Cui Shuhu looked gloomy.
When I think about my family's biggest loss a few days ago, it hurts like a needle pricking my heart!
A wave of resentment rose uncontrollably from the bottom of my heart!
Yang Fan, it’s all that guy’s fault.
That deep resentment made Cui Shuhu's eyes red, and a crazy plan arose in his heart!
"Cui Da!" Cui Shuhu shouted loudly, and a young man immediately walked in outside the door, cupped his hands and said: "Master..."
The young man was in his twenties, with a pale face and no beard. He was dressed in a blue shirt and looked pretty and elegant. However, his face was pale and he looked sickly.
Cui Dachui was originally named Wang Dachui. Due to his family's decline, he was sold to the Cui family as a servant. He grew up in the Cui family and was very loyal.
Because of his flexible mind and some talents, Cui Da was given the surname Cui.
Cui Shuhu waved his hand and said, "Come over here!"
When Cui Da came closer and leaned down, Cui Shuhu whispered in a low voice.
After listening, Cui Dalai was stunned for a long time, and then advised in a low voice: "Master, please think twice! This matter is very involved. Once the news leaks out, it will be a huge disaster!"
"It's not that I'm afraid, but I don't want to bring trouble to the head of the family..."
Cui Shuhu shouted: "Shut up, as long as it is done cleanly, if you don't tell me and I don't tell you, who will know?"
"What's more, as long as you handle this matter well, I guarantee that I can give you a large sum of money so that you can live freely for the rest of your life. Wouldn't it be much better than being a slave in the house?"
"Now that you haven't gotten married yet, when you get married and have children in the future, you can also give your descendants a good background. If you always have a lowly status, will you be willing to do so?"
Cui Da was silent!
The last sentence struck a chord with Cui Da.
Although he was given the surname Cui, he was still a slave after all.
He has been smart since he was a child, and he knows everything about the Four Books and Five Classics, so his vision is certainly higher.
Others have said more than once that if he was born into an ordinary family, he would have no problem gaining fame, but it is a pity that he is from a humble background.
Since ancient times, people have been divided into classes from birth.
Slave status will always be slave status. Even if you have extraordinary talents, it will still be a lowly status!
A person with a lowly status has no land or land. He can only live dependent on his master's family. He cannot be an official or serve in official positions. Even his descendants will always have a lowly status for the rest of his life.
Cui Da is over twenty-five years old and still alone. This is an older youth in ancient times when marriages were early and people died young.
Why doesn't he get married?
Isn’t that why he looks down on those women who were born slaves?
It's a pity that the daughter of a good family looks down upon his identity.
Cui Da didn’t want to give up on finding his other half, so he stayed single!
A few days ago, the head of the family, Cui Shuhu, suddenly won a place for him in the scientific examination. Cui Da was very happy for a long time.
Now it seems that the head of the family has other plans, but he doesn't want to give up this opportunity.
Maybe, I really should give it a try?
Although the risks are huge and you may even lose your life, the benefits are so huge!
Even if you don't think about yourself, shouldn't you strive for a good background for your descendants?
Gritting his teeth, Cui Da said in a deep voice: "In accordance with the order of the family master, even if I am discovered, I will bear the responsibility."
After a pause, Cui Da continued: "My slave was taken in by the master since I was a child, and he gave me the opportunity to study. I can't repay my deep friendship!"
"After leaving this door, I will not come back, so as not to cause trouble to the master of the house."
"I won't be able to serve my master in the future. I hope that my master will take good care of me. Cui Da will repay you for your upbringing and kindness in the next life!"
Cui Shuhu nodded happily and said with emotion: "I can't bear to let you go, but this matter is of great importance. If you leave it to others, how can you rest assured?"
"After the matter is completed, I will send someone to give you a huge sum of money, and also arrange an identity for you to help you obtain an official position!"
"This slave will be able to handle this matter even if his body is broken into pieces, and he will live up to the expectations of the master!"
Cui Da knelt down and kowtowed, then turned and left.
Looking at Cui Da's back, Cui Shuhu clenched his fists fiercely.
If it weren't for dealing with Yang Fan, and for adding a safeguard, Cui Shuhu really didn't want Cui Da to do this!
But only Cui Da is the most suitable to implement this matter. With his talent, he can successfully sneak into the examination room.
This is also the reason why Cui Shuhu secured a spot for Cui Da in the imperial examination a few days ago.
Yang Fan knew nothing about the calculations of several major families.
Instead, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to preparations for various imperial examinations.
…
Time passed day by day, and the newly reformed imperial examination finally arrived.
The imperial examinations are divided into various subjects such as Xiucai, Mingjing, Junshi, Jinshi, Mingfa (Law), Mingzi, Mingshu (mathematics), etc. The examination contents include current policy, classics, essays, etc.
During the Tang Dynasty, the imperial examination system showed vigorous progress and formed a golden age for the development of ancient Chinese culture.
For this year's imperial examination, the best candidates from various states and counties will rush to Chang'an, the capital, to take part in the examination hosted by the Ministry of Rites before the Dragon Boat Festival.
It can be said that this is the first examination after the reform of the imperial examination system. The format is very simple and very different from the previous ones.
This was because the imperial examination system drafted by Yang Fan was too strict and cumbersome, and there were too many things to prepare in a hurry, so the first examination had to be simplified.
Of course, this is also a compromise for the aristocratic families, giving these aristocratic families a buffer time.
The introduction of the imperial examination reform was a means to suppress the powerful families, but His Majesty Li Er could not implement it across the board and enforce it forcefully.
The best way is to give both parties a buffering time to minimize the conflict between them.
The examinations held in each state capital are equivalent to future rural examinations, and candidates are recommended by local officials.
Needless to say, most of them must be the children of aristocratic families after becoming officials, and there are only a small number of students from poor families.
This part of the exam is directly administered by the local state government and has already been passed.
In order to obtain first-hand information on the reformed imperial examination, Yang Fan will send officials to this examination room to supervise the examination.
In the yamen of the Ministry of Rites, because there was a hard-working man like Li Yifu, Yang Fan became the most leisurely one.
Furthermore, due to the bet between Yang Fan and Xu Zhang, he also had to take the imperial examination, and all the chores were left to Li Yifu...
There was no way, even though he knew that the aristocratic family was causing trouble, Yang Fan could not avoid it and could only face the difficulties.
Unexpectedly, Yang Fan was helpless and depressed to death after experiencing the devilish exam in his previous life and having to take the exam again this time.
It is not yet bright, and the crescent moon has not set in the sky.
The long street in front of the Imperial Academy is already crowded with candidates taking the exam.
As the examination center, there was a lot of noise and chaos in front of the Imperial College gate, which was very lively.
The exam lasted for three days, and all the food and accommodation were in the Imperial College, so many people brought daily necessities.
Most of the candidates are children from aristocratic families. They have been well-clothed and well-fed since childhood, and have servants accompanying them. The door is crowded and crowded.
It can be said that these people are the most educated group of people in this era, and all of them are magnificent in their robes and jade belts.
There may be one or two students from poor families in simple clothes, but they are all talented and famous people from all over the world, and their demeanor is also extraordinary.
The gate of the Imperial College was closed tightly. Seeing that it was getting late, more and more candidates gathered outside the gate.
Everyone was worried that if the gate was opened late, it would delay the exam time, so they started talking secretly.
"What the hell, why aren't you opening the door?"
"That's right, I went in a long time ago!"
"It's estimated that it will take an hour or two to get all the candidates in. I heard that there will be a body search. How long will it take?"
"Still searching?" Some candidates who had prepared cheat sheets asked nervously.
"Of course!"
"I heard that this exam is very strict. You can even prepare your own food. Even paper, pens, ink, and inkstones are all provided by the imperial court. All cheating must be eliminated..."
"If there is someone who has cheat sheets on their body, I advise you to take them out as soon as possible. I heard that if they are found out, they will be reported to the Information Department immediately and they will never be hired!"
Many candidates started to fight with each other and their faces turned pale.
Those who had small notes secretly gave them to the slaves around them...